5G does certainly seem to be one of those aspects which is drawing considerable attention of late. Which is not that surprising, as while the technology does not seem to be anywhere near ready for consumers, when it does arrive, it is expected to arrive in fashion and offering consumers greater network speeds and faster downloads. Something which all mobile-related customers will probably welcome. Not to mention, the benefits such technology is expected to bring to newer forms of technology like the Internet of Things (IoT). With such a game-changing aspect like 5G (slowly) getting closer, it is becoming clear that companies at the manufacturing and carrier level are starting to ramp up not only their verbal intentions, but also their actual testing. Just earlier today both T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular made it clear that they are preparing to dig deeper with their testing and now Samsung can be added to that ever-growing list. In fact, in terms of Samsung, they have now confirmed that they will be undertaking some 5G testing in the near future with T-Mobile.
In a press release, Samsung confirmed that they and T-Mobile do plan to start 5G network testing together before the end of this year. The release further goes on to explain that the testing will make use of T-Mobile’s 28 GHz spectrum, along with what Samsung refer to as as one of their own ‘5G proof of concept systems‘. While no firm details on this system were provided, Samsung did confirm that it will make use of their advanced beam forming technology. Initial testing will take place in an outdoor environment and more in-depth testing is scheduled to take place early next year, with a “Samsung pre-commercial 28 GHz system.” Speaking on the partnership, Samsung’s Senior Vice President and General Manager, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics America, Mark Louison, stated “Applying Samsung’s 5G leadership to assist T-Mobile in developing their next generation network is an exciting opportunity”. While from the other side of the fence, T-Mobile’s Chief Technology Officer, Neville Ray, added “Our collaboration with Samsung’s networks technology will enable us to enhance 5G development and availability.”
Of course, it is to be expected that a number of 5G and general carrier and network-related announcements will be coming through today and over the course of the next dew days, as the Cellular Telephone Industries Association’s (CTIA) Super Mobility 2016 event is currently taking place in Las Vegas. Much is the case with this announcement which was made as part of that event.